"...Therefore one should not cease from planting. Rather, just as he found, one should still continue to plant even though he is old..."

This week, I’m a story from Midrash Tanchuma Kedoshim 8:1, written sometime between 500 to 800 AD and published in 1885.

Reflection question:

• How will you plant seeds for fund development programs, like legacy giving, that take longer to see the benefits?

Reflection on quote:

Recently, I have been assisting my clients with starting legacy programs; that is, encouraging long-term donors to give through their will and bequest.  Some of these organizations have donor bases of older donors who have already started to think about giving a gift upon their death.  Other organizations don’t have many older donors.  So a question might come up, why waste precious time now to create a program without an immediate impact?

Yes, starting a legacy program may seem like a long-term endeavor with uncertain immediate rewards. However, the wisdom from this story underscores that we must begin planting the seeds of a legacy program now. By encouraging donors to consider legacy gifts, we are creating a sustainable future for ourselves. While the benefits may not be realized for years, the impact can be profound.  
Yet, as this story also alludes to, there may be a more immediate blessing to donors who wish to consider their legacy in the future.  By considering their long-term impact, donors can find deep satisfaction in knowing that their values and passions will live on. The act of planning a legacy can be a transformative experience. It allows donors to reflect on their lives, identify why our organization is one of their most cherished causes, and consider their lasting mark in their community. This process can bring a sense of peace and purpose, knowing that their generosity will be a testament to the power of giving in their lives.

This work has entered the public domain.

What do you think?

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Music credit: Woeisuhmebop